Powerlifting is considered to be a physically demanding sport, where competitors have three attempts at the maximum weight for squats, bench press, and deadlift.
But, Carleton’s powerlifting team captain Kwaku Antwi explains another important characteristic: mental fortitude.
Antwi, a fourth-year engineering student, didn’t start powerlifting when he first arrived at Carleton but was encouraged to try out by the team’s former executive.
Antwi had only been practicing squatting at the Carleton gym when he was approached by an executive of the Carleton powerlifting team. He made the team during his first tryout.
As the captain, Antwi is one of the veterans on the team. He likes practicing at Carleton’s gym several times a week, preferably during the afternoon.
He usually sees at least one or two members from the powerlifting team there. Antwi acknowledges being a reserved person at first and usually practicing by himself.
“Everyone kind of does there own thing,” Antwi said. He added that sometimes he will practice with other members of the team.
Carleton’s powerlifting community has steadily grown since the competitive team was first founded back in 2013. Carleton currently has a team of around 20-22 competitive and non-competitive members.
Recently, Antwi participated at the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) National Championships held in Ottawa, where he finished second overall and the highest deadlift at 672 lbs.
“The atmosphere of the completion was amazing,” Antwi said. “On the day, not everything is going to go to plan. Anything can happen.”
Antwi went on to explain how mental fortitude is built through powerlifting.
“This sport isn’t instant gratification—it takes a lot of hard work,” Antwi said. “Taking care of your nutrition, your body, and your attitude. All of this will affect whether you achieve your goals or not.”
Antwi said how his time building a friendly rivalry with another powerlifter on Instagram has helped fuel his competitiveness.
“I silently made him my rival,” Antwi said. “It drives you, it helps us become the best version of ourselves.”
The CPU National Championships were held at the EY Centre in Ottawa from Mar. 4 to 9. Antwi said there were close to 710 people in attendance. He added how it was the largest attendance since the competition began back in 2000.
However, Antwi still sees room for the sport to grow.
“We want to grow the powerlifting community, and try to as welcoming and friendly as possible.”
Carleton Athletics organized its first Annual Capital Classic Powerlifting Meet on Mar. 24, where Carleton students were given the opportunity to try out powerlifting. Antwi believes events such as this meet can help students learn more about powerlifting.
Back at the gym, Antwi gets back into his routine. In a sport where form can mean everything, Antwi embraces that mindset.
“We’ll often give the cold, honest truth, but then add a little bit of humour there so we can brainstorm with each other, and try to fix it,” Antwi said. “It’s how you react to certain adversity.”
Image by Lauren Hicks
